Addiction Treatment Programs

Addiction treatment programs typically can be classified into a category based on the type of care that is provided as well as the level of monitoring and support that is offered.  Most addiction treatment programs fall into one of several categories ranging from detoxification and medically managed withdrawal to residential treatment to outpatient treatment

Detoxification Programs for Addiction Treatment

Detoxification is the process of clearing the body of drugs or alcohol and the toxins that are left behind from the use of such substances.  While detoxification is a vital part of any drug addiction treatment program the process can be unpleasant and in some severe cases may even be fatal if it is not medically managed.  The side effects of withdrawal can be deadly if they are left untreated which is why detoxification and medically managed withdrawal programs are the first step of any addiction treatment process.

Whether in an inpatient or outpatient setting, detoxification is often managed with various medications that are administered by a physician.  This is the first step of any addiction treatment program and while not all treatment centers provide detoxification, most will require that the patient first successfully detox before entering into counseling and therapy for their addiction.

Residential Treatment for Addiction

Many addiction treatment programs fall into the category of residential treatment.  There are various types of residential treatment including long-term residential treatment and short-term residential treatment but overall each provides the same types of services and only the duration of treatment will differ significantly from one to the next.

During residential treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol the patient is provided with care 24 hours a day in a nonhospital setting.  Most residential treatment programs last somewhere between 3 and 12 months with the average program spanning a 6 month period during which the recovering addict receives physical and psychological treatment for their addiction.  Residential treatment for addiction focuses on developing personal accountability and responsibility for the actions that were taken leading up to the addiction as well as all future actions while integrating the recovering addict back into the process of living drug and alcohol free and acting as a functioning citizen of society.

Outpatient Treatment for Addiction

Outpatient treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol varies in the level of intensity of the treatment that is provided as well as the services that are offered.  Each outpatient addiction treatment program differs greatly from one to the next.  Typically, outpatient treatment costs significantly less than an inpatient or residential treatment program and is more suitable for individuals who have steady employment and extensive social support at home.

In most cases, outpatient addiction treatment is not as effective as inpatient treatment especially for those who are heavily addicted or who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol for a prolonged period of time.  Outpatient programs utilize group counseling and individual counseling which are effective forms of treatment for addiction but they do not provide intense treatment like that which is provided during residential treatment so for some, outpatient treatment is just not enough.

Counseling for Addiction Treatment

Most addiction treatment programs, both inpatient and outpatient, provide counseling as the foundation or basis of the treatment plan.  Individual counseling and group counseling are commonly used to help the patient emphasize short-term goals, develop coping strategies, and learn how to socialize without the use or drugs and alcohol.  During counseling, the patient can work to effectively learn to recognize the problems they have and rectify the situation without the use of drugs or alcohol.